Kim walked up to Nate and hugged him. "Hey man, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the same university?"
Nate forced a small smile, blank and confused " Um! I forgot... It was a sudden transfer."
"It's okay Nate, I am just asking, well, good to see you here. We can study like in the old days." Kim noticed Mike, "Hey, I'm Kim Hyun Joong. "
"I'm Mike, Nate's classmate. If my guess is correct, you guys are childhood friends, right?"
Kim nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, Nice to meet you. Let's head to the canteen; we can catch up there."
As they walked, Nate's thoughts swirled. Kim isn't just a normal student. He's one of my dad's assistants and he is 4 years older than me. My dad must have sent him here to keep an eye on me. Typical. Kim never messes anything up, and his young looks—well, that's the Korean genes.
Nate observed her every action, habit, and the way she interacted with others during classes. He carefully analyzed her demeanor and style of communication, considering various strategies on how best to approach her for the first time. This meticulous observation allowed him to formulate a thoughtful plan on how to initiate their first conversation, ensuring he would make a positive impression.
Later that evening, I was on the seventh-floor balcony, watching Evangeline She stepped out of the building and spotted the sleek black car waiting for her by the curb. Two imposing bodyguards with well-defined physiques stood nearby, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. Her stride was graceful and confident, and she turned to say goodbye to him.
"Call me tonight", she said with a wide smile
"Of course, Evangeline. I'll be waiting," said Aaron from a distance
I leaned against the railing, sorting my thoughts when my phone buzzed. I pulled it out, suspecting who it might be.
"How was your day, Nate? Anything interesting?" my assistant asked with curiosity.
I glanced back down at her again, "It was good, and then I want to ask, why didn't you inform me about Kim's arrival before?"
"Your dad appointed him, Nate. He's here for your safety and business work you need assistance, he knows everything. If the Winter family catches wind of our plan, we'll need backup. Kim's presence ensures we're prepared."
"Wait! what? What are you even saying? Do you think I'm going to mess up Dad's plan? Never! That's not happening."
"Cool Nate, Kim is on your side. He's here to help, not interfere. Trust me, you'll see how useful he'll be. Don't overthink it—just go with the flow."
"Fine. But this better not cause problems." With a disappointed tone because of his dad's action.
"Relax, the assistant reassured. Kim's got your back and intelligent one"
While speaking Kim gave a sign to go, and then we left the building.
The car door closed, and one of the bodyguards spoke up. "How was your day, Evangeline? Did everything go smoothly? Is that someone cause any trouble mam?"
Evangeline sighed, rolling her eyes. "Are you guys serious, Is that I am in 40s or 50s? No, right? Please, stop with the formal tone. It gives me a headache every single time."
The bodyguard straightened slightly. "Apologies, ma'am. I'm Christopher, and this is Michael. We were assigned two weeks ago. If you prefer, we can adjust our tone moving forward."
"Thank you, Chris. I appreciate it. You two seem to catch on quickly. The last team didn't."
Christopher and Michael exchanged a glance, their confusion evident. What had the previous bodyguards done wrong?
The car went silently, and Eve watched a window view.
After reaching home, Evangeline hummed a tune, the melody cheerful as she approached her front door. She paused, noticing it was already ajar. Her brows furrowed.
"Shit! What the hell guys? The door's already opened? Chris, I think a robber or someone is already in our house. Be ready with our weapons and she gave tools to him. Chris with scissors Micheal with knife and Eve with scale. She stepped cautiously into the hall, scanning for anything unusual and bodyguards followed silently step by step. Even Bodyguards forget they have guns in their pockets. they followed her. Finally, they are ready to attack the robber, Eve said Huskey's voice "Ready 1, 2, 3, go......"
"Welcome home, Sissy," a familiar voice greeted her.
Her gaze snapped to the couch, where her brother, Max, sat casually with a book in hand.
"Shit! You scared me, idiot, What the F*ck are you doing here, Max?" she asked, exasperated.
Max smirked, closing his book. "Didn't our parents teach you to respect your elders, hmm? Dad wanted me to check on you and make sure everything's okay on your end."
Evangeline rolled her eyes, "It's been just one day since I left home, Max. You guys watching me all the time through those cameras makes my life so stressful."
"Don't worry, little sis. I'm not staying long. Just a quick check-in. I'll be dropping by every two weeks—or a week—depending on my schedule."
Evangeline let out a relieved sigh and thought. "Thank God. That's the best news I've heard all year,"
"It's okay, Evan. Say what you want. I'll stay as long as I need to."
"Fine. Stay however long you want.", she says as a formal tone.
Max smirked knowingly. "I know what you're thinking, by the way. Anyway, I've got a business trip tomorrow, so I'm heading out now."
"So, you leave right now, Okay, bro! I'll miss you", hugging him tightly. "
"You seem to be anticipating my departure. Relish your freedom, but don't misuse it."
As Max made his way to the door, he paused, glancing at Chris and Michael, her bodyguards. With a sly grin, he said, "Good luck, guys." Chris and Michael exchanged a puzzled look as Max walked out.
The Evening, room buzzed with energy—loud music, and colourful lights flashing across the walls. Nate stood near the bar, casually holding a drink as he discussed business with an older man in a suit.
Kim approached, interrupting their conversation. "Nate, you have a call. It's your dad."
Nate excused himself and answered the call. "Yes, Dad?"
His father's voice, "I've reviewed all the documents. The contract's signed. It's a $10 billion deal."
"Got it, Dad".
After hanging up, he glanced through a set of files, signed a few papers, and returned to the conversation.
The old business's phone kept buzzing, and I noticed a name that reminded me of Ethan Winters. This name seemed familiar due to Evangline's last name, sparking my curiosity about her background and how it connected to my family. After signing the papers, Kim and I left the place.
Unnoticed, a figure in a black hoodie lingered in the shadows, camera in hand.
Click. Click.
The individual captured numerous photographs of Nate. After having taken those photos, he made slight adjustments to his hood, carefully ensuring that his face remained hidden from view. Once satisfied with his appearance, he proceeded to send the images to an unidentifiable contact, leaving a veil of mystery around his intentions and the recipient of the photos.